Foreign ministers from the European Union have released a statement offering 'unconditional support' for Britain, urging the 'immediate and unconditional release' of the sailors, adding that the EU reserved the right to take 'appropriate measures' if Iran did not comply - although the exact measures were not mentioned.

The enlargement of the EU'sborderless zone to eight Eastern European countries and Malta is completed through the lifting of air border controls between them and the 15 countries already part of the area. (European Commission)